When news broke that Disney Cruise Line would homeport Disney Adventure in Singapore, whether Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) could cope with the surge in passengers was one of the top questions on the minds of many industry members.
The 36,000 sqm terminal was serving homeported ships of cruise lines likes StarDream Cruises and Royal Caribbean, in addition to transit calls by other international cruise lines. The addition of Disney Adventure brought excitement, but also concerns over bottlenecks and operational strain on days when two mega ships call at the port.
Industry members got to work immediately, and it wasn’t long before upgrading news of MBCCS was announced. On 29 October 2025, after eight months of expedited work and a S$40 million (US$31 million) investment, terminal operator SATS-Creuers Cruise Services unveiled a transformed MBCCS that grew its handling capacity from 6,800 to 11,700 passengers.
A statement of cruise hub ambitions
The upgrade of MBCCS underscores Singapore’s intent to cement its position as Asia’s leading cruise hub. At the unveiling, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan highlighted the sector’s strong outlook.
“Cruise passengers are forecasted to grow 19% to 41. 9 million by 2028 globally. As a leading cruise hub, Singapore is ready to ride this wave – last year, we welcomed 1.8 million cruise passenger throughputs from 340 ship calls, and half of these passengers were international visitors.
“With this $40 million upgrade, MBCCS can now handle 11,700 passengers, almost double its previous capacity. More importantly, it can welcome larger cruise ships and more passengers to cater to the growing demand for cruise,” Tan added. “This expansion shows we are not just thinking bigger, we are also thinking smarter.”
Bob Chi, chairman of SATS-Creuers, added that the project is driven by long-term vision and commitment. “We believe the industry is bullish, and it's only right that we make this investment as part of a larger tourism ecosystem that connects Singapore’s attractions, air connectivity, and cruise offerings into a seamless ‘fly, play, stay, cruise’ experience.”
With the $40 million transformation, MBCCS can now simultaneously manage dual mega ship calls through its two berths. Photo Credit: MBCCS
Improved flows and efficiency
“The new check-in hall, redesigned passenger flows, and expanded facilities mark a transformative step for MBCCS,” said Gregory Tan, CEO of SATS-Creuers. “The new facilities allow us to serve more passengers more efficiently with greater comfort and better connectivity. They prepare us for the mega ships tomorrow and the demands of a growing region.”
Central to the MBCCS expansion is a reorganisation of passenger flows, allowing the terminal to efficiently manage simultaneous dual mega ship calls through its two berths. A new dedicated check-in hall on Level 1, offering 70 counters and over 500 seats will serve Pier 2, while the existing facility on Level 2 check-in hall will serve Pier 1. Both are supported by VIP lounges for premium guests.
Beyond check-in, the terminal’s ground transport area has been redesigned for better accessibility, with roadways widened, coach bays expanded, and an early baggage drop-off introduced to allow bags to go directly to the ship.
Ride-hailing provisions have more than doubled to meet rising demand, while a looped shuttle service on select cruise days now links Marina South Pier MRT to the terminal. For those driving, an Advanced Carpark Reservation System allows parking to be booked up to 60 days in advance at discounted rates, with buggy services available for passengers with reduced mobility.
In collaboration with local partners, MBCCS now provides baggage transfers to Singapore hotels and Changi Airport, as well as shuttle connections to attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown. For disembarking international travellers, the Cruise-Fly Service has been reinstated, allowing guests to check in and tag their bags for same-day connecting flights.
Industry members at MBCCS’s opening ceremony to unveil the new transformation. Photo Credit: Travel Weekly Asia
What the cruise line leaders say
Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager of Disney Cruise Line, said: “The collaboration between the Singapore Tourism Board and MBCCS has been incredible from the very beginning. When we realised the previous terminal wasn’t fit for purpose, we quickly went into action to determine how we were going to expand and what that might look like. The vision and speed of execution have been exceptional.”
Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises, added: “It’s good to see the completion of MBCCS’s upgrade, especially in terms of passenger comfort and experience. The terminal is modern, functional, with well-designed facilities, which make a big difference to our guests.”
Chad Grospe, Royal Caribbean’s vice president and managing director for APAC, agreed: “Having our own check-in hall (on level 1) really helps us to spread out the passengers and create a better guest experience for our guests. Royal Caribbean had completed two turnaround calls at the new hall, and we’ve seen a smoother process in guest experience and passenger flow.